Background:

Limited stripping from the great saphenous vein to the insufficient segment based on the Doppler color echography findings reduces morbidity.

Material and methods:

A prospective randomized study was conducted on 155 patients who underwent surgery over a 24 months period, of which 74 were subjected to limited saphenectomy and 81 to total saphenectomy. The monitored variables during the followed up were: type of anesthesia, percentage as ambulatory surgery, surgical morbidity, temporary disability days, and recurrent varicose veins. Symptoms of neurological disturbances linked to saphenectomy were evaluated early and also at long term followup.

Results:

91.6% were operated on as outpatients, exhibiting shorter period of temporary disability (3 weeks) and 18% recurrence rate. The cost of the actions agreed with the Public Health System interventions tariff, less than $950 USD. The limited saphenectomy procedure appeared better than the total saphenectomy in almost all parameters studied, with fewer days of sick leave (18,2 vs 22,6 p=0.013), morbidity rate (14.9% vs 33.3% p=0.036), and neurological sequelae at completion of the study (2% vs 11.9% p=0.043).

Discussion:

The classical saphenectomy is a useful technique, with excellent clinical and cosmetic results, few complications and low cost. In the absence of distal saphenous insufficiency axis, the limited saphenectomy appears as the preferred procedure in view of its lower morbidity.

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